World Economic Forum CEO Borge Brende resigns over Epstein revelations
The former Norwegian foreign minister had business dinners with the sex offender and communicated with him via email
The president and CEO of the World Economic Forum, Borge Brende, said he was stepping down on Thursday, a few weeks after the forum launched an independent investigation into his relationship with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Brende, who became president of the WEF in 2017, announced his decision in a statement following disclosures from the US Justice Department that showed the Norwegian had three business dinners with Epstein and had also communicated with the disgraced financier via email and text message.
“After careful consideration, I have decided to step down as president and CEO of the World Economic Forum. My time here, spanning 8½ years, has been profoundly rewarding,” Brende said. The statement made no mention of Epstein.
“I am grateful for the incredible collaboration with my colleagues, partners and constituents, and I believe now is the right moment for the Forum to continue its important work without distractions,” added Brende, a former Norwegian foreign minister.